Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has declared that Poland will not accept the new EU rules allowing for the relocation of migrants within the bloc.
Despite the passage of major changes to EU migration laws by the European Parliament, Poland remains resolute in its opposition to the new legislation.
Tusk emphasized that even if the migration pact is implemented as is, Poland will take steps to safeguard itself against the relocation mechanism. He highlighted Poland’s support for around 1 million Ukrainian refugees but maintained the country’s hardline stance on migration, in line with the policies of his predecessors.
The newly passed reforms aim to enhance border management and asylum processes within the EU. Under the reform, EU member states are required to either host asylum seekers from frontline states or provide support in the form of financial aid or resources to those countries bearing the brunt of the migrant influx.
The Law and Justice (PiS) party in Poland, along with other right-wing parties like Rassemblement National in France, Vox in Spain, and Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party in Hungary, have opposed the reforms, citing concerns about sovereignty and the empowerment of people-smugglers.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it strikes a balance between solidarity and responsibility and will expedite asylum procedures at the EU’s borders while ensuring the return of individuals who do not qualify for international protection to their home countries. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola hailed the reforms as the “European way.”
However, critics, including Amnesty International, have condemned the reforms, expressing concerns about the potential for increased human suffering and human rights violations across Europe. They argue that the reforms fail to prioritize guarantees for human rights and could lead to illegal pushbacks, arbitrary detention, and discriminatory policing.
The next step for the “migration pact” is to be voted on by member states in the council, scheduled for April 29, via a qualified majority. Poland’s steadfast refusal to comply with the new rules underscores the ongoing divisions within the EU over migration policies.
